Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (7 February 1812-9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic who is often regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His most famous works include A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations, and he was known to speak up for the poor and marginalized of the time period.

Biography
Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England on 7 February 1812, and he left school to work in a factory after his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens's literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His 1843 novella A Christmas Carol remains popular, and his character of Ebenezer Scrooge would be one of the most famous literary characters in history. His works Oliver Twist and Great Expectations also received critical praise and widespread popularity, and he was seen as the literary colossus of his time period. His works were devoid of politics, instead focusing on having a heart; he spoke up for the poor and marginalized of society. Dickens died in Higham, Kent on 9 June 1870 at the age of 58.